The passage and approval of Republic Act 8550- “An act providing for the Development, Management and Conservation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Integrating all Laws Pertinent thereto, and for other purposes” heralded the organization of the office that would provide assistance to the fisherfolk and other fisheries industry clients as well as the LGU’s. It is also mandated to provide direction for the development, management and conservation of the fisheries industry in the region. 

As provided for in Chapter III, Article 1, Section 64, the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic Resources was reconstituted as a line agency of the Department of Agriculture when the New Fisheries Code was signed into law on February 25 and took effect on March 23, 1998. 

In Region I, the interim Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources started to operate as a line bureau of the Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Unit No. 1 in December 1998. The initial functioning regional office was housed in the Regional Field Unit office of the Department. It transferred to the present office that it has in April 1999. 

The present Regional Fisheries Office No. 1 is housed in four floors in Government Center, Sevilla Norte, San Fernando City, La Union.